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Nerissa Golden of the Western coast of Montserrat
Nerissa Golden of the Western coast of Montserrat

Montserrat to Host OECS Ministers of Environment in July

Nerissa Golden of the Western coast of Montserrat

Montserrat has been identified as the location for the the much-anticipated meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers of Environment Sustainability (COMES 5).

The 5th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Environmental Sustainability (COMES) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will take place in Montserrat from July 10 to 11, under the theme “Building Resilience on the Frontlines of Climate Change”, according to a press release from the OECS.

The COMES 5 comes at a critical juncture, given the severe economic and social impacts of the hurricanes of 2017 and  will provide the forum for ministers to engage with senior technocrats and development partners and to make decisions that will advance the climate and overall environmental resilience of the region.

Last year, COMES 4 was held in Grenada  under the chairmanship of the Hon. Sen. Simon Stiell, Minister of State responsible for Human Resource Development & The Environment of Grenada under the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Development: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities.” This year, the high-level meeting will be chaired by Hon. David Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Lands, Housing and the Environment of Montserrat.

Montserrat is strategically placed to host such a major event. The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean has been able to build resilience despite the eruption of the Soufrière hills volcano that buried the southern part of the country. Today, Montserrat remains attractive and still keep secrets awaiting to be revealed by visitors such as those highlighted in this video.

Further information will be communicated as the meeting draws near.